During a discussion of the wind at Levi's Stadium on Friday, a reporter told 49ers running back LaMichael Jamesthat few take such weather-related topics more seriously than placekicker Phil Dawson.

"He's a true pro," James said of the 15-year veteran. "That's why he's still in the league, even though he's 57."

James, of course, was joking. But it wasn't surprising he was in a playful mood given his quick recovery from a dislocated elbow he sustained July 27.

James, who was originally expected to miss the preseason, will make his 2014 debut Sunday when the 49ers host the Chargers. In 2011, at Oregon, James returned 23 days after he sustained a dislocated right elbow.

James will wear a brace on his left arm Sunday but plans to ditch it when the 49ers open the regular season at Dallas on Sept. 7.

"I really just want to be out there with my teammates, competing and just playing," James said. "The medicine's on the field, just like coach (Jim) Harbaugh says."

James will rejoin a backfield that includes Frank Goreand second-round pick Carlos Hyde, who has 50 yards on nine carries in two preseason games.

Looking to Gabbert: On Sunday, after the 49ers' three reserve quarterbacks each had a turnover for the second straight week, Harbaugh said the backup quarterback would be the player who stopped making mistakes.

That suggested the No. 2 spot was up for grabs, but Harbaugh said Blaine Gabbertwould be the first quarterback off the bench against the Chargers.

"I think Blaine is that guy right now," Harbaugh said when asked about competition for the backup spot.

Gabbert, who has a 17.9 passer rating, has completed 11 of 25 passes for 60 yards and tossed two interceptions. Harbaugh was asked about Gabbert's unimpressive statistics.

"I don't judge it off of just those," Harbaugh said. "I've been pretty clear what I thought we needed to get better as a unit - a team-oriented offense that has precision and plays well together."

Men in the middle: Harbaugh said nose tackle Glenn Dorseyfaces a 3 1/2-month recovery from a torn biceps he suffered in practice Aug. 1.

Given that timetable, Dorsey could return for a Week 11 game at the Giants on Nov. 16. Harbaugh said Dorsey has "a very good chance" of being placed on injured reserve with the designation to return. If given that designation, Dorsey would have to miss at least the first eight regular-season games.

Nose tackle Ian Williamswill presumably open the season as the starter. Williams, who came off the Physically Unable to Perform list Aug. 12, underwent four surgeries after he broke his ankle and sustained severe ligament damage in September. Harbaugh said that Williams, who hasn't played in the preseason, has been better than expected in practices.

"Just in the movement, in the quickness, the burst of separation, driving to the ball," Harbaugh said. "He looks better than before."

Sitting out: Harbaugh said safety Antoine Betheawill likely be cleared for Sunday's game after he sustained a concussion last week, but he won't play against San Diego.